Has anyone tried exclusively using the sports manual mode with the AT's ? The reason I ask is because I have a 2010 Mazda 5 which has the 2.3L MZR motors which everyone complains is too slow. The HP for the MZR is 153 at 6500 rpm and the torque is 148 at 4500 rpm's, the curb weight of the 5 is 3,422 lbs. The CX-5 2.0G engine is rated at 155 HP at 6000 RPM and the torque is 150 at 4000 RPM's, the curb weight is 3,426 lbs. So, basically, these two vehicles are almost identical in hp, torque, and curb weight, and I can tell you that letting the RPM's get up to 4000 to 4500 before you shift to the next gear really helps these vehicles get max power. I almost exclusively use the manual mode and I have never had a problem with the engine being under powered, but my wife who lets the computer do the shifting complains about it sometimes. Mazda programs the computer to always run at the fewest rpm's possible to get the best gas mileage, that is why the computer will have the transmission in 5th gear at 40 mph, it is great for gas mileage, but it sucks when you need the extra power right then. Taking control of the transmission really does help. Thing is this isn't just Mazda, it is many car manufacturers who program their vehicles for max mpg's.